Corner Hotel

2026年8月20日

TOC

History and Characteristics of the Corner Hotel

The Corner Hotel, located in the Richmond suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is a renowned live music venue with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally a pub, it has been hosting live music since the 1940s and became a popular rock music venue and rooftop bar from 1995 onwards.

The venue’s origins trace back to 1871 when it was licensed to David and Jane McCormick. Its proximity to the Richmond railway station contributed to its thriving business. In 1881, William Malone renovated the hotel, enhancing both accommodation and liquor quality. Live music is believed to have started in the 1940s during the jazz era. In the 1950s, it was owned by the Melbourne Cooperative Brewing Company, which rebuilt the hotel in 1954, a period marked by the six o’clock swill, a law requiring pubs to close early.

In 1984, Brian Hartung from Carlton & United Breweries approached Wayne Gale to introduce live music at the Corner Hotel. Gale, who was managing other venues, successfully transformed the Corner into a key player in Melbourne’s music scene. The venue hosted numerous notable performances, including surprise appearances by Mick Jagger and David Gilmour in 1988, and even Pink Floyd played there.

Since 1996, under the ownership of Tim Northeast and Mathew Everett, the Corner Hotel has continued to evolve. It has been the site of significant musical moments, such as the creation of the iconic riff for “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes during a 2003 soundcheck, and U2 filming a video in 2006. Crowded House chose the venue for their final Melbourne show in 1996, and The Living End used footage from their 1997 performance for a music video.

The Corner Hotel has been proactive in social initiatives, being one of the first venues to implement smoke-free shows in 2005 and taking steps against sexual assault and harassment. It also launched the Corner Award in 2016 to support local artists, with winners including Sampa The Great and Baker Boy.

The venue has received numerous accolades, such as the Music Victoria Best Venue award from 2013 to 2018, and has consistently ranked in the Pollstar Top 100 Global Club Venues since 2013. The Corner Hotel remains a vital part of Melbourne’s vibrant music culture.